Alkanes vs. Alkenes — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 13, 2023
Alkanes are hydrocarbons with only single bonds between carbon atoms; Alkenes have at least one double bond between carbon atoms.
Difference Between Alkanes and Alkenes
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain only single covalent bonds between their carbon atoms. On the other hand, Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons characterized by the presence of at least one double bond between adjacent carbon atoms.
Both Alkanes and Alkenes play a crucial role in the field of organic chemistry. Alkanes, having no functional group other than single bonds, show limited reactivity, whereas Alkenes, with their double bonds, are more reactive and can undergo various chemical reactions.
The general formula for Alkanes is CnH2n+2, which indicates the predictable relationship between carbon and hydrogen atoms. In contrast, the general formula for Alkenes is CnH2n, highlighting the presence of double bonds.
Alkanes are typically less reactive than Alkenes. This is because the single bonds in alkanes are stronger and less accessible to attack by reagents. Alkenes, however, with their pi bonds (double bonds), are more accessible and can participate in addition reactions.
In nomenclature, Alkanes have names ending in "-ane" (e.g., methane, ethane), while Alkenes have names ending in "-ene" (e.g., ethene, propene).
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Comparison Chart
Bonding
Single bonds (saturated)
At least one double bond (unsaturated)
General Formula
CnH2n+2
CnH2n
Reactivity
Relatively low reactivity
Higher reactivity due to double bond
Examples
Methane, Ethane
Ethene, Propene
Nomenclature
Ends in "-ane"
Ends in "-ene"
Compare with Definitions
Alkanes
Hydrocarbons with only single covalent bonds.
Methane and propane are common Alkanes used as fuels.
Alkenes
Hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond.
Ethene, a common Alkene, is used to produce polyethylene plastics.
Alkanes
Saturated hydrocarbons with a consistent formula CnH2n+2.
Alkanes like hexane are prevalent in gasoline.
Alkenes
Unsaturated hydrocarbons with a general formula of CnH2n.
Alkenes like propene are crucial in the production of polymers.
Alkanes
Carbon chains where every carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms.
Ethane, an Alkane, has a two-carbon chain with only single bonds.
Alkenes
Hydrocarbons named with the suffix "-ene" indicating the presence of a double bond.
Pentene, an Alkene, contains five carbons with one double bond.
Alkanes
Chemical compounds predominantly consisting of carbon and hydrogen with no double or triple bonds.
The simplest Alkane is methane, a primary component of natural gas.
Alkenes
Organic molecules characterized by the presence of double bonds making them more reactive.
The Alkene butene can be converted into butane by hydrogenation.
Alkanes
Organic substances that exhibit limited reactivity due to their single bonds.
Alkanes are often found in lubricating oils and waxes.
Alkenes
Carbon compounds that can undergo addition reactions due to their double bonds.
Alkenes can be easily converted to alcohols in the presence of water and an acid catalyst.
Alkanes
Any member of the alkane series.
Alkenes
Any of a series of unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbons with a carbon-carbon double bond, having the general formula CnH2n.
Alkanes
Plural of alkane
Alkenes
Plural of alkene
Common Curiosities
What's the simplest Alkane and Alkene?
The simplest Alkane is methane, and the simplest Alkene is ethene.
How are Alkenes distinguished from Alkanes?
Alkenes have at least one carbon-carbon double bond, whereas Alkanes don't.
How do the nomenclatures differ between Alkanes and Alkenes?
Alkanes have names ending in "-ane," while Alkenes end in "-ene."
Do Alkenes have a consistent ratio of carbon to hydrogen?
No, because of the double bond, Alkenes have a general formula of CnH2n.
Are Alkanes more or less reactive than Alkenes?
Alkanes are generally less reactive than Alkenes.
Which is typically found in gasoline, Alkanes or Alkenes?
Alkanes, such as hexane, are prevalent components of gasoline.
What type of bonds do Alkanes contain?
Alkanes contain only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms.
Can Alkenes participate in addition reactions?
Yes, Alkenes, due to their double bonds, can undergo addition reactions.
What kind of reactions can Alkenes readily undergo?
Alkenes can readily undergo addition reactions due to their double bonds.
Which has more isomers when comparing Alkanes and Alkenes of similar lengths?
Alkenes typically have more isomers because of the various positions the double bond can occupy.
Do Alkanes or Alkenes generally have higher boiling points for comparable sizes?
Alkanes generally have higher boiling points due to stronger dispersion forces.
Are Alkanes saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons.
What is the general formula for Alkanes?
The general formula for Alkanes is CnH2n+2.
Why are Alkenes considered unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Alkenes are considered unsaturated because they contain double bonds and can add atoms without breaking the hydrocarbon skeleton.
Are Alkanes found in natural gas?
Yes, methane, a simple Alkane, is a primary component of natural gas.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
